India's Ramsar sites rise to 103; Uttar Pradesh second with 14 sites

What has changed

According to information released by the central government, India’s number of wetlands of international importance, known as Ramsar sites, rose to 103 by 15 October 2026. In 2014, there were 26 such sites. That is nearly a four-fold increase. These sites spread over more than 13.87 lakh hectares across 28 states and union territories.

By number of sites, India’s network ranks first in Asia and third in the world. The most recent additions were Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Lake in Uttar Pradesh.

What Ramsar sites are

The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty adopted on 2 February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar and brought into force in 1975. By October 2026, it has 172 contracting parties, and more than 2,536 sites worldwide have been designated as Ramsar sites. India became a party to the convention on 1 February 1982.

A Ramsar site is a wetland designated as a wetland of international importance. Wetlands include marshes, swamps, peatlands or areas with water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with fresh, brackish or saline water. They store fresh water, recharge groundwater, reduce the impact of floods and support fisheries and agriculture. They also shelter migratory birds and biodiversity.

Who benefits

According to the information, being on the Ramsar list raises a site’s international visibility and can strengthen support for its conservation. It gives countries a chance to put their views at an intergovernmental forum and can bring expert advice and international cooperation.

After designation, the concerned state or union territory government is committed to the wise use of that wetland and its resources. The site is treated as notified under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and the Ramsar Information Sheet must be updated every six years.

How states compare

Tamil Nadu has the most Ramsar sites at 20, while Uttar Pradesh is second with 14 sites. Suraha Tal in Uttar Pradesh was made India’s 100th site in June 2026. In 2025 alone, 11 wetlands were added to the Ramsar list.

Sauj Lake is a shallow floodplain lake in Uttar Pradesh’s Mainpuri district, where more than 30,000 waterbirds visit regularly. It provides habitat for endangered bird species such as the sarus crane and the greater spotted eagle to nest and find food.

What next

The information says the central government is promoting scientific and community-based conservation through the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA), Amrit Dharohar, Mishti and Mission Sahbhagita, based on the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. The notice mentions no application or deadline for ordinary citizens.